Deer Woman by Paula Gunn Allen
"Deer Woman" by Paula Gunn Allen is a narrative that blends elements of magical realism with cultural themes, focusing on two enchanting women named Linda and Junella who embody the spirit of deer. The story unfolds during a traditional Sioux "stomp dance" on an Oklahoma reservation, where the women encounter two men, Ray and Jackie, who are eager to impress them. As the plot progresses, the men, drawn in by the women's beauty, are led on an unexpected journey that intertwines their fates with the mythical aspects of the deer women.
The narrative explores themes of desire, transformation, and the consequences of one's choices, particularly reflected in the lives of Ray and Jackie after their encounter with the deer women. It highlights the contrast between the modern world and indigenous spiritual beliefs, particularly through the character of Uncle Thunder, who offers a sardonic commentary on the men's motives. The conclusion leaves readers with an ambiguous resolution, suggesting a cyclical nature of life and the lasting impact of both cultural traditions and personal experiences. Overall, "Deer Woman" invites reflection on the intersection of modernity and indigenous culture while presenting a mystical interpretation of female power and influence.
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Deer Woman by Paula Gunn Allen
First published: 1991
Type of plot: Magical Realism
Time of work: The mid-to late twentieth century
Locale: An Indian reservation near Anadarko, Oklahoma
Principal Characters:
Ray , a young Native American manJackie , his friendLinda , an attractive traditional deer womanJunella , her equally attractive friendThe old man , the deer women's uncle
The Story
Two beautiful deer women, Linda and Junella, arrive at a "stomp dance"—a traditional Sioux ceremony that is conducted with certain modifications on an Oklahoma reservation. The dance ground is ringed by a motley assortment of Cadillacs and pickup trucks, whose headlights provide illumination. Two "'skins," Ray and Jackie, arrive at the dance hoping to "snag," that is, to score with, women. Pretending to want to go to the nearby town of Anadarko, the women accept a lift from the men, who cannot believe their good luck, and pile into Ray's pickup.
As the women climb into the truck, Ray thinks that he sees their feet look like deer hooves. After the women ask to stop by a river in order to refresh themselves, they lead the men up a path to their "old house," where their ancient Uncle Thunder is sitting. "I see you've snagged two strong men," the old man says, punning on the term "snag" and commenting sarcastically on the word "strong." Leading the men by their hands, the women then take them to a second ceremonial site—a field where a baseball game is being played.
In the midst of the game, the deer women vanish, leaving Ray and Jackie to search for them futilely. Ray awakens from a deep sleep to find himself lying by a river at midday. Jackie is nowhere to be found, but Junella is beside him. She tells him that "Jackie is staying there," and gives him Jackie's wristwatch as proof. Ray then becomes dizzy. He takes a step toward the woman, but the rock on which she has been sitting is empty.
Fifteen months later Jackie's fate is revealed: A sudden move to Seattle with Linda, the birth of a child, alcoholism, and a premature death for revealing things that he learned inside a mountain that he was not supposed to tell.
The story concludes with an ambiguous image of Ray rushing to catch a subway in San Francisco. On his way to a meeting, he is firmly entrenched in the modern wristwatch world.